Big 12 Football: 10 Biggest Storylines for 2013

With the start of college football in the Big 12 just one day away, there are several storylines that are sure to dominate each team's season.

After several subpar seasons, Mack Brown may be on the hot seat at Texas.

One year removed from a conference title, the Oklahoma State Cowboys were picked to win the Big 12 again this year in the preseason Big 12 poll. So whether or not Mike Gundy can deliver on those expectations will remain to be seen.

And TCU and West Virginia, both entering its second year in the conference, will each have to deal with unique challenges surrounding the team.

Baylor: How Will Lache Seastrunk Perform?

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsLache Seastrunk

Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk has delivered some lofty promises during the offseason. He has guaranteed that he will win the Heisman Trophy and has also said that Baylor will be in contention not just for a Big 12 title, but a BCS one as well.

The Bears have plenty of talent around Seastrunk and there is a feeling that the Bears could be the sleeper team in the Big 12 in 2013.

Seastrunk's performance will likely make or break the Bears' season this year as they introduce quarterback Bryce Petty to Art Briles' no-huddle system.

Iowa State: Will Paul Rhoads Survive the Season?

Paul Rhoads has yet to eclipse three wins in Big 12 play since arriving in Ames.

Now entering his fifth season as the head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones with just a 24-27 overall record, Rhoads may be on his last chance to bring the Cyclones to the next level.

The Cylcones have certainly had some marquee wins since Rhoads arrived, most notably against then-second ranked Oklahoma State in 2011, a win that spoiled the Cowboys' chances at appearing in the BCS National Championship.

But if Rhoads can't make the Cylones, who were picked ninth in the Big 12 preseason poll, more competitive this season, he could be on the chopping block.

Kansas: Will the Jayhawks Win a Big 12 Game?

John Rieger-USA TODAY SportsCharlie Weis

The Kansas Jayhawks are riding a 21-game losing streak in Big 12 play as Charlie Weis enters the second year of his rebuilding project in Lawrence.

There are signs that this team may turnaround this season, including the addition of BYU transfer quarterback Jake Heaps as well as the running back tandem of James Sims and Tony Pierson.The ceiling for the Jayhawks could very well be bowl eligibility in 2013. But it's also possible that the Big 12 losing streak could hit 30.

Oklahoma State: Can They Win the Big 12?

The media pegged the Oklahoma State Cowboys as the favorite to win the Big 12 in 2013.

Those are certainly high expectations to put on a team that doesn't have a solidified quarterback in a league known for its gunslingers.

The Cowboys have plenty of weapons on both sides of the ball, including wide receiver Josh Stewart and defensive tackle Calvin Barnett. And with the no-huddle offense, the Cowboys will surely put up a lot of points.

But fans in Stillwater will likely see any result less than a berth into a BCS bowl as a disappointment in 2013.

Texas: Is 2013 Mack Brown's Last Chance in Austin?

Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY SportsMack Brown

After several years of failing to meet expectations, Mack Brown could be down to his last straw in Austin.

Fans of the Texas Longhorns expect their team to be in contention not just for a Big 12 title but a national title year in and year out. And with the budget that the Longhorns have, that's completely justifiable.

The biggest factor to the success of Texas this season will be the play of quarterback David Ash, who has been inconsistent in his two years as a starter.

The Longhorns are also switching to a no-huddle style this season. If Ash struggles to pick it up early, it could be another long season in Austin, and one that sees Brown ousted at its completion.